Muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is a common condition that can occur after exercise, particularly when engaging in new or strenuous activities. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the muscles, which typically develops within 24 to 48 hours after exercise and can last for several days.
Muscle soreness is caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, which occur during exercise as the muscles contract and lengthen. These tears trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which leads to the pain and stiffness associated with DOMS. While muscle soreness can be uncomfortable, it is generally not a serious condition and will resolve on its own within a few days.